What if you could have a career where your hard work and dedication were rewarded with great pay, great training (often at no cost), and the knowledge that you are truly valued? Few occupations can compare with the construction industry in these areas right now, as the need for workers has never been greater.

According to a report by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), a majority of firms plan to expand their staff in 2018, if they can find the workers. Michigan construction firms are no exception, and the report notes that 72 percent of Michigan construction firms expect to increase their “headcount” from one to more than 25 in 2018. Concurrently, 61 percent of Michigan construction firms reported “having a hard time filling both salaried and craft worker positions.” As a result, in accordance with the laws of supply and demand, construction firms are upping the offers for potential workers.

“The labor shortages are prompting many firms to increase pay and benefits,” the AGC report states. “At the same time, they are boosting investments in training and education programs for their workers.”

Backing that up, the AGC report states that 61 percent of Michigan construction firms increased pay to recruit or retain salaried /hourly craft workers in 2017, 18 percent paid more overtime, 48 percent provided incentives /bonuses, and 27 percent increased their contributions and/or improved employee benefits. Looking to 2018, 48 percent of firms plan to increase their investment in training, while 48 percent will continue at the same rate.

That’s good news for unskilled job seekers in Michigan who are looking for a way to build a solid career! More and more employers are hiring untrained workers and providing the education they need to become skilled and safe on construction jobs. At the same time, the need to train construction workers has helped certified programs gain acceptance to many financial aid programs for veterans, the disabled, Native Americans, and others through agencies like Michigan Works!

Another avenue job seekers can explore is through apprenticeships and other on-the-job training programs. Michigan Construction partners with companies across the state to help them recruit, hire and train a strong construction workforce, a trend that continues to grow as the labor shortage goes on. Apprenticeships are especially beneficial as they generally offer not only no-cost training but a paycheck as well. To locate an apprenticeship in Michigan, try the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Finder or check out career and training opportunities available right now at Michigan Construction partner firms.